Red Wings focused on matching Nashville's urgency from the start of the game

AP File PhotoDetroit Red Wings winger Tomas Holmstrom (96) is held by Nashville Predators center Jerred Smithson (25) in front of goalie Anders Lindback in a regular season game on Dec. 8, 2010.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Slow starts have plagued the Detroit Red Wings this season. They've been outscored 54-48 in the first period and have had to play catch-up too many times.

They can't afford to dig themselves a hole tonight against Nashville at Bridgestone Arena (8 p.m., FSD) because the Predators typically start fast and don't give up a lot of goals.

“We know they're right there with us. They got a real good team. It's always fun playing in this building,'' coach Mike Babcock said today after a very optional morning skate. "We got to get through the first 10 minutes.''

Detroit is seven points ahead of Nashville in the Central Division and has a game in hand. The Predators ranks fourth in the NHL in goals against and in penalty-killing, but they're 25th in goals scored and 26th on the power play.

"They're a team that feels they should score more and (they) don't give up a whole bunch,'' Babcock said. "Their goaltending has been absolutely outstanding, so it's going to be a tough test for us. It's one we have to embrace after playing the way we did last night at home. It's nice we play a game today so we can turn the page.''

Friday's 3-0 loss to Columbus at Joe Louis Arena was tough to take.

“The bottom line is the urgency level at the end of the game and the urgency level at the start of the game were different,'' Babcock said. "To me, if you start with urgency level right from the get-go you're going to be a better team. The stats show that if you score first and you start fast life treats you better and you're not playing catch-up. We've talked about it a lot this year.

“I want every period the same.''

The only lineup change for Detroit is in goal, as Joey MacDonald will start as planned. Forwards Pavel Datsyuk and Tomas Holmstrom, each out with a broken right hand, didn't make the trip. They're hoping to return on Monday at home against the New York Rangers.

"You want to get in there and stop that first shot,'' MacDonald said. "These guys come out hard. The first 10 minutes is critical here, they throw everything at the net.''